Melissa Jones

Description

Passionate Singer-Songwriter and Poet with 10 + years of experience singing and performing at various venues and festivals as both lead singer and background singer. Experienced in vocal arrangement, harmonies, song-writing, lyrics, poetry, studio sessions, teaching, and live performance. Experienced in wedding performances, corporate events, artist residencies, festivals, and venues. Singer, able to play in both formal and informal settings as well as record sessions in person and remotely.

Set-List

Erykah Badu-on and on
Gnarls Barkley-Crazy
Whitney Houston-I wanna dance with somebody
Michael Jackson-Rock with you
Michael Jackson-Butterflies
SWV-Weak
Beyonce-Love on top
Beyonce-Deja Vu
Musiq Soulchild-So beautiful
Musiq Soulchild-Just friends
Erykah Badu-Love of my life
Jill Scott-Goldem
Jill Scott-The way
Jill Scott-Long Walk
Stevie Wonder-Higher Ground
Stevie Wonder-Isn't she lovely
Stevie Wonder-Superstition
Earth, wind, and fire-Let's groove
Earth, wind, and fire-shining star
Earth, wind, and fire-Can't hide love
Michael Jackson-I can't help it
Michael Jackson-S ... hake your body down
Michael Jackson-off the wall
Rhianna-Diamonds
Estelle-American Boy
Bobby Caldwell-Do for love
Lauryn Hill-Ex Factor
Lauryn Hill-Killing me softly
Usher-Good kisser
Rick James-give it to me baby
Rick James-You and I
Rick James-Mary Jane
Janet Jackson-That's the way love goes
Jackson 5- I want you back
Alicia Keys-If I aint got you
Nina Simone-Feeling Good
Etta James-At Last
Ella Fitzgerald-Summertime
Prince-Kiss
Prince-I wanna be your lover
Prince-Controversy
Prince-Let's go crazy
Tyla-Water
Justin Timberlake-Rock your body
Tevin Cambpell-Can we talk
Floetry-Say Yes
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Biography

Melissa Jones, an esteemed singer-songwriter, poet, and producer, captivates audiences with her improvisational musical style reminiscent of jazz, neo-soul, funk, and R&B. Inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu, Bobby McFerrin, and Prince, she seamlessly blends her influences to create an unparalleled and immersive live stage experience.
Drawing upon her innate improvisational abilities, Melissa engages listeners in a participatory journey, where creativity and innovative sounds are meticulously crafted on the spot. Her unique vocal stylings, characterized by free-form scatting and m ... elodic rhythms, emote a raw and unbridled energy orchestrating a symphony of experiences.
Melissa’s experience as a house band singer open mics has led her to many great opportunities such as singing in local bands in NYC and New Orleans. She has had many opportunities to perform in festivals, cover bands, wedding receptions and private events. Melissa has been hired annually to sing at the College Track Fundraiser in California, which is a program that focuses on supporting high school students and their road to college. She has performed with and alongside Grammy Award-winning American jazz trumpeter, producer and composer Maurice Mo Betta Brown and have opened up for American Singer and Drummer, Sheila E at the Pittsburgh Seafood Music Festival.
Melissa has released her own music and her debut album “Birds of Paradise, which masterfully blends themes from a profound period of personal turmoil. This vibrant collection pays homage to her mother through the titular flower that embodies resilience and passion. Melissa's constant artistic evolution has propelled her to explore new frontiers, experiment with different genres, and connect with audiences. Her current residence in Brooklyn, New York, provides a vibrant canvas for her ongoing collaborations and musical exploration.
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Reviews     (6 Reviews)

Experience

Live Performances: Cover Songs
Singing Summertime at the Blue Nile in New Orleans: Summertime Cover Performance
Singing He loves me by Jill Scott at 30/90 in New Orleans: He loves me by Jill Scott cover performance
Singing Crazy by Gnarls Barkley at the Rabbit Hole in New Orleans: Crazy cover by Gnarls Barkley Performance
Singing On and on By Erykah Badu at DBA in New Orleans: On and on by Erykah Badu cover performance
Singing On and on By Erykah Badu at Cafe Negril in New Orleans: On and on by Erykah Badu 2nd Performance
Singing American Boy by Estelle at Brooklyn Bowl in New York: Am ... erican Boy by Estelle Cover Performance
Singing The Way by Jill Scott at BMC in New Orleans: The way by Jill Scott Cover Performance
Singing Do for love by Bobby Caldwell at Bourbon Street Drinkery in New Orleans: Do for love by Bobby Caldwell Cover Performance
Singing Tell me something good by Chaka Khan at Bourbon Street Drinkery in New Orleans: Tell me something good by Chaka Khan cover Performance
Singing Valerie by Amy Winehouse at Bourbon Street Drinkery in New Orleans: Valerie by Amy Winehouse Cover Performance
Other Live Performances:
2016: Performed at Malcolm X Jazz Festival (Oakland, CA)
2016: Performed at Ivy Room Venue (Albany, CA)
2016: Juneteenth Festival (Berkeley, CA)
2017: Sofar Sounds, (Oakland and San Francisco, CA)
- No Lovely Thing ft. Melissa Jones - Hey Brother | Sofar San Francisco
- No Lovely Thing Ft. Melissa Jones - Countdown | Sofar San Francisco
2017: Oaktoberfest (Oakland, CA)
2017: Art and Soul Festival (Oakland, CA)
2017: Performing duo set with John Givens of No Lovely Thing at Red Bay Coffee in Oakland: Moondrop Productions presents performances inspired by THE BLACK WOMAN IS GOD
2017 EP release party with No lovely thing live at the Legionnaire lounge in Oakland CA: Performing at Legionnaire Lounge
2018: The New Parish, (Oakland, CA)
2018: The Chapel (San Francisco, CA)- Opened up for Trombone Shorty
2018: The Independent (San Francisco, CA)
- No Lovely Thing live at The Independent Feat. Melissa Jones
2018: Pittsburgh Seafood Festival (Pittsburgh, CA) - Opened up for Sheila E
2019: Performed at Contagious Spirit showcase at Bandcamp Venue in Oakland: Performance at Bandcamp
2018-2024: Performed at College Track Annual Fundraiser Event (Corporate)-annual performance
2020: The Groove (acoustic set) New York, NY
2022: Performed at Vino Vibes Living Room series, Brooklyn NY: Vino Vibes Performance
2022: Performed live at Yxng Love’s “The Sessions” at Cafe Erzulie in Brooklyn: The sessions Performance at Cafe Erzulie
2021-2023: House singer and Host for Open Mic Residency at Brooklyn Music Kitchen (Brooklyn, NY)
2023: Sofar Sounds, (Brooklyn, NY)
2023: Performed with Great Family Band for multiple weddings (Lead Singer, New York, NY)
2023: Performed at Nublu for album release party show: Album Release show: Song Without You
2023: Performed at Brooklyn Bowl show, Brooklyn NY
2023: Performed at Club Groove, NYC
2023: Performed at the Bronx Soul Series
2024: Performed and sang lead jazz vocals with JC Hopkins Biggish Band at Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem, NY
2024: Performed background vocals with CRS Culture band at Baby’s Allright in Brooklyn NY
2024: Performed background vocals with CRS Culture for Tiny Desk Contest Submission: CRS Culture Tiny Desk Submission
2024: Performed background vocals (soprano singer) for Miss Olithea at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Brooklyn NY: Singing bgvs for Miss Olithea
Recorded Projects:
2017: Wrote lyrics/arranged and recorded No Lovely Thing EP: No Lovely Thing self titled EP
2019: Wrote lyrics/arranged and recorded No Lovely Thing album: She BE
2020: Recorded and performed background vocals (alto) for singer-guitarist JL Stiles’ self titled project JL Stiles [Simple Fools of Faith, End of The Road, The One, The Hermit Song, The Rising Tide]
2020: Recorded and wrote lyrics for Fresh Feel’s (group duo) self titled EP produced by Marcos Brooks: Freshfeel
2020: Wrote and recorded song “How you do it” produced by Double AA: How you do it
2023: Wrote and recorded song “Cure” produced by Elvis Yarwoord: Cure
Writing & Production Projects:
2020: Co-wrote, arranged, and recorded for international artist (Oba Ogunlano)
2022: Wrote and arranged song “Soul” for local artist Tim Victor: Soul Read More

Previous Clients

Performing duo set with John Givens of No Lovely Thing at Red Bay Coffee in Oakland: Moondrop Productions (CLIENT) presents performances inspired by THE BLACK WOMAN IS GOD
Performed background vocals (soprano singer) for Miss Olithea (CLIENT) at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Brooklyn NY: Singing bgvs for Miss Olithea
Recorded and performed background vocals (alto) for singer-guitarist JL Stiles’ (CLIENT) self titled project JL Stiles [Simple Fools of Faith, End of The Road, The One, The Hermit Song, The Rising Tide]
Performed with Great Family Band for multiple weddings (Lead Singer, ... New York, NY)
Performed for annual fundraiser: College track (CLIENT)
Performed for multiple birthday parties: Tierra (CLIENT)
Performed at private event: Mike Jones (CLIENT) Read More

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Baby Shower Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Birthday Party (Adult) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party High School Reunion Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Private Party Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party Session Work Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Physical Characteristics

Meet the Act

Melissa is a singer-songwriter and performer. She has released her debut album, Birds of Paradise in May 2023. She has performed for private and corporate events, as well as weddings, festivals, and open mic stages. She is also a poet and has released two books of poetry: Pineapple Grenades and Black Girl Mango Seeds.